Shloka 13
Parāśara’s Counsel on बुद्धि (Discernment), Karma-Consequences, and Avoidance of Pāpānubandha Actions
कुरुनन्दन! इन्द्रको खड़ा देखकर भी वृत्रासुरके मनमें न तो घबराहट हुई, न कोई भय हुआ और न इन्द्रके प्रति उसकी कोई युद्धविषयक चेष्टा ही हुई ।।
tataḥ samabhavad yuddhaṃ trailokyasya bhayaṅkaram | śakrasya ca surendrasya vṛtrasya ca mahātmanaḥ ||
Wahai putra Kuru, meski melihat Indra berdiri tegak, dalam hati Vṛtra tidak muncul kegelisahan, tidak pula takut, dan tidak ada gerak perang yang tergesa-gesa terhadap Indra. Namun kemudian meletuslah pertempuran besar—mengerikan bagi tiga dunia—antara Śakra, raja para dewa, dan Vṛtra yang berhati luhur.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when a conflict becomes inevitable, inner steadiness matters: Vṛtra is portrayed as unshaken by fear or agitation, suggesting that true strength is composure and moral gravity, not mere aggression. The verse also frames war as a cosmic event affecting the order of the worlds, reminding the listener that actions—especially violent ones—carry far-reaching ethical consequences.
Bhīṣma describes the moment when a dreadful battle begins between Indra (Śakra), king of the gods, and Vṛtra. The clash is so intense that it inspires fear across the three worlds, marking it as more than a personal duel—an upheaval with universal impact.